I just picked up an old Springfield...it's been sporterized but the action is all original and I'm looking to get some suggested loads that will allow my to:
-Have fun at the range
-Take a Whitetail
-Stay below max-load levels to ensure this gun's action stays in one piece.

Thanks for any suggestions or ideas. I have reloading manual(s)....but thought I'd discuss the load(s) with those of you with first-hand experience with these old rifles.

Bob

180gr roundnose and 45 gr of 4350 duplicates
the super-x factory load at 2200 fps.
The sights seem to be calibrated ok to 350 yds.
Why I haven't a clue.
enjoy!

Von,

congrats on a good snag!

I have one also and feel the same about being able to enjoy it instead of wringing out every last fps potential.. I have other newer rifles I can accomplish that with.. I got mine just to enjoy.. and have had it about 10 years or so..

Out of a cast bullet manual I ended up settling on a load of 25 grains of plain old SR 4759 or 30 grains of IMR 4198...

I commonly shoot bullet weights of 170 grain 30/30 bullets for just shooting.. or for accuracy at the range..168, 175 or 190 grain Match bullets..that I frequently find on a special as factory seconds..

with open sights ( Lyman Peep Site in back) and the match bullets ( usually 168s) it will turn in groups of 3 inches or so at 200 yards..

I am still amazed at that, since I know what the target looks like to me at 200 yds when aiming at it..

I'd really wonder what the old gal would do with someone who can shoot and has good eyesight..

Thanks guys! I will most likely use jacketed bullets, the 150s sound good for just plain ol' plink'n. I may use the same bullets for deer. Heck, I use 150s in my 30/30 and the deer don't walk away! Most my shooting is under 100 yards too.

Bob

I have four Krags and love shooting them. The last few years I've been shooting mostly cast bullets in the 180 to 200 grain range using 16 grains of 2400. Easy on the gun and shoulder, fun to shoot and very accurate. If your interested check the "Cast BoolitS" forum, tons of information and good people to help you with questions.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/

elk hunter, I also use that same 16 grains of 2400 load in my P-14 that someone replaced the barrel with a 30 cal. and chambered it in 30/40 krag. I use a 150 grain cast bullet from a RCBS mould that came with the rifle. This and another load that I use with SR-4759 is a fun load to shoot all day with.

The 30-40 is great with cast bullets. A period mold that was developed for 500 yard matches with the Krag is the Lyman 311284. This is a 210 grain bullet.

Sounds like I will need to talk my casting-buddy into some bullets!! I like the idea of nice soft range loads!!

Bob